If you’ve found yourself having suicidal thoughts, the first and most important thing to know is this: you don’t have to go through this alone. Suicidal thoughts can feel overwhelming and isolating, but reaching out for support can make a huge difference. Take These Steps Right Away 1. Reach out for immediate help 2. Talk to […]
Category: Tips & Tricks
The Power of “I” Statements
The Power of “I” Statements: A Healthier Way to Communicate Communication plays a huge role in how we navigate relationships—whether with partners, family, friends, or colleagues. One simple yet powerful technique that can help you express yourself more clearly and reduce conflict is the use of “I” statements. What Are “I” Statements? “I” statements are a […]
The Healing Power of the Gestalt Letter
The Healing Power of the Gestalt Letter: A Tool for Emotional Clarity and Closure In counselling, we often carry stories, emotions, and memories that are left unresolved — words left unsaid, feelings that were never fully expressed, or relationships that ended without proper closure. One powerful tool that can help process these experiences is the Gestalt […]
Mindfulness Myths
Mindfulness Myths: Common Misconceptions About Being Present Mindfulness has become a buzzword in the world of mental health and wellbeing, often associated with meditation apps, yoga retreats, and serene Instagram feeds. But despite its growing popularity, there’s still a lot of confusion about what mindfulness actually is—and what it isn’t. As a counsellor, I regularly […]
Mental Health Warning Signs
Mental Health Warning Signs – What to Look Out For Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet recognising when something might be wrong can often be more difficult. Mental health challenges don’t always show up in obvious ways, and the signs can be subtle, especially at first. Being able to spot early […]
Understanding Coercive Control
Understanding Coercive Control: What It Is, How to Spot It, and What to Do If You’re Affected In recent years, greater awareness has grown around a form of abuse that often goes unnoticed—coercive control. Unlike physical violence, coercive control can be subtle, insidious, and deeply damaging. It’s a pattern of behaviours used to dominate, isolate, […]
Understanding Compassion Fatigue
Understanding Compassion Fatigue: Symptoms and Strategies for Overcoming It By John Belchamber | Sunny Coast Counselling In helping professions—like counselling, nursing, teaching, social work, or emergency response—there’s a shared thread of emotional investment. Over time, consistently supporting others through their trauma, pain, or crises can take a toll on your own wellbeing. This experience is […]
Understanding Your Behaviour
Understanding Your Behaviour: How the Stimulus–Thought–Emotion/Feeling–Behaviour–Consequence Model Can Help You Understand Yourself Ever found yourself overreacting to something small and wondering afterwards, “Why did I do that?” Or maybe you keep getting stuck in the same patterns — like procrastinating, getting defensive, or feeling anxious — and you’re not sure how to change it. There’s […]
Knowing Your Values
The Importance of Knowing Your Values – And How to Discover Them In a world full of noise, knowing what truly matters to you is like having a compass in a storm. Your personal values are the principles and qualities that give your life meaning and direction. Whether you’re navigating big life decisions or simply […]
Understanding Stress
Stress is a word we hear often, and usually not in a positive light. It’s commonly linked to burnout, anxiety, and overwhelm. But not all stress is bad. Some stress can be helpful, even healthy. The key is understanding the difference between good stress and bad stress, and how each affects us physically, emotionally, and […]